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Poster:
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Mandojammer |
Date:
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June 14, 2011 01:39:00pm |
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Forum:
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GratefulDead
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Subject:
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Re: Many, Many Thanks |
lily -
Kenz was at the point where we had to carry her in and out of the house every 4 hours or so to do her business. She couldn't put any weight on her front left foreleg so the best she could manage was a three legged hop once we had her outside.
Since she couldn't move around well, she pretty much laid around in the same spot all day. We brought her food and water to her and got very good at reading her mood for food, drink or bathroom - or just to sit with her and pet her.
The worst part was her appetite was unchanged and she was as bright eyed and happy as she ever had been. Over time, she would cry out when I would pick her up and we could tell she was uncomfortable. I had to balance my selfish needs and wants with what we knew was best for her. Once the pain was obvious it was an easy, if heartwrenching call.
We were very fortunate to have a Vet that came to the house. I carried her to the backyard and sat with her under her favorite tree. She wasn't excited or anxious like she occasionally would get when we went to the Vet's for checkups. She very peacefully passed in my arms. It was the very least I could do.
I hope this helps - feel free to post a follow-up if you have any questions.
Like I said in my other post, I owe all of you a debt of gratitude for your kind words.
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Poster:
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robthewordsmith |
Date:
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June 14, 2011 02:20:15pm |
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Forum:
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GratefulDead
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Subject:
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Re: Many, Many Thanks |
Rick - you're one of the finest human beings I ever encountered and I love you for that. And if anyone misreads anything in those sentiments then a stony silence will be their just reward.
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Poster:
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Mandojammer |
Date:
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June 15, 2011 02:35:03pm |
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Forum:
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GratefulDead
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Subject:
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Re: Many, Many Thanks |
I appreciate that Rob. Trust me, the feeling is mutual.
I was reading through these comments at home the other day when a speck of dust got underneath each of my contacts and my eyes began watering profusely. Mrs. Mando looked up and asked what was wrong and what was I reading.
I told her I was reading a thread on the Grateful Dead forum. Normally that would have elicited an eye roll - but not his time. She just kind of smiled, teared up a little and let me continue healing.
You guys are all pretty amazing people.
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Poster:
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bluedevil |
Date:
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June 15, 2011 02:58:34pm |
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Forum:
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GratefulDead
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Subject:
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Re: Many, Many Thanks |
Sorry I didn't post sooner, but please know my thoughts are with you and I understood and feel your lost.
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Poster:
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high flow |
Date:
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June 15, 2011 03:39:36pm |
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Forum:
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GratefulDead
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Subject:
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Re: Many, Many Thanks |
This was indeed a touching thread. It is nice to know there are some many wonderful folks here.
Then, Mr Mando, your last post made me laugh and feel proud. And let me just say what a total stud you are for being so in touch with your emotions. (I say that with a staunch record as a life-long heterosexual male.)
The dust in your eyes reminded me of this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VY7kzdnpgJ4
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Poster:
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high flow |
Date:
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June 14, 2011 02:30:23pm |
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Forum:
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GratefulDead
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Subject:
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Re: Many, Many Thanks |
I can relate to these stories of caring for a beloved pet. I never imagined a person could form such a strong bond with a cat or dog until ours' became ill. Those little buggers are more than just cute and fuzzy. They really have a way into your heart. It was about 8 years ago and I've been reluctant to adopt a new pet.....perhaps we're getting close now. The kids would love a cat or dog.
Hmmmmmmm.:)
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Poster:
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lillygetsthesquirrel |
Date:
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June 14, 2011 04:57:38pm |
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Forum:
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GratefulDead
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Subject:
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Re: Many, Many Thanks |
You've pretty much described where we are. She's 13, and has use of all the legs, but has been incontinent for about two years now. The meds help to some degree, but wetting her bed is still just about a daily occurrence. She needs to get out at least every 4-5 hours, including the nights. We've gotten into a shift schedule where I'll stay up as late as possible and my wife gets up around 5am to do the morning, then it's a race to get someone home in time during the day to get that 4-5 hour window covered. She has pretty bad arthritis, it's hard to watch her try to get up. She has little to no energy, and after a 10 minute walk, she'll go into a near coma sleep for the next 3-4 hours. She walks about house wheezing for breath. She's been deaf for a year, and you can come home loudly open the door, stomp up to where she's lying, call her name, and she has no idea you're there. She can't even sense you anymore. She's just not really there anymore. There is the occasional burst of happiness, but it's not much.
Beyond the quality of her life issue, we're pretty worn out from the last two years. We feel trapped, in that we can't really leave without knowing the house will be trashed by her (can't trust the dog care to clean up and be as prompt as we are even though we are paying through the nose for 5 walks a day), and we can't take her with us because she'll destroy someone else's home.
It all adds up to one thing, and we've long since accepted it, but taking the next step is not as easy as typing it.
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